LOVE LIFTED ME

Many of the old hymns used pictures of storms and seas to convey their messages of salvation, safety and protection provided by the Lord.  Sometimes the pictures are of lighthouses, lifelines, shelters, rocks, or sinking experiences.   One of my favorite is this week's hymn which shares of God's love to us when we were far from the peaceful shore and sinking.  It was then that His love lifted us.  We were so unworthy and not deserving of being rescued, but in His love He did rescue us and now we are safe.  But while the hymn talks about being saved while sinking in sin, it is also a reminder that when we face the storms of life and feel like we are sinking, in His love He rescues us again.  And we are safe.  And the hymn also reminds us that we need to live in His presence and sing His praises.  Are you doing that today?

(1)   I was sinking deep in sin,

Far from the peaceful shore,

Very deeply stained within,

Sinking to rise no more,

But the Master of the sea,

Heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me,

Now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

(2)   All my heart to Him I give,

ever to Him I'll cling

In His blessed presence live,

ever His praises sing,

Love so mighty and so true,

merits my soul's best songs,

Faithful, loving service too,

to Him belongs.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

(3)   Souls in danger look above,

Jesus completely saves,

He will lift you by His love,

out of the angry waves.

He's the Master of the sea,

billows His will obey,

He your Savior wants to be,

be saved today.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Listen to it here.    LISTEN

I SING THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD

When we used to lead week-long rally Bible schools we always taught a hymn which coordinated with our theme for the week.  We thought then, as we still do, that there are many great hymns which can teach children (and adults, too) many great Biblical truths.  And kids do remember these hymns as they grow older.  This week's hymn was always one of my favorites of those that we taught.  I especially enjoyed it when we would teach this hymn to the children at Pinebrook, in the middle of the mountains.  Singing there about the power that made the mountains rise and the power that built the lofty skies was especially meaningful in that setting.  The visuals that we used ended with a picture of a satellite to illustrate the last phrase, "and everywhere that man can be Thou, God, art present there".  Each time that we looked at that visual and sang that phrase I would remember the Russian cosmonaut who, upon his return from space, said that he had looked everywhere in space and didn't see God.  Poor guy.  Someday he will see God and it most likely won't be an enjoyable experience for him. So worship our almighty God today by singing these great words penned by Isaac Watts.

(1) I sing the mighty power of God,

          that made the mountains rise,

       That spread the flowing seas abroad,

          and built the lofty skies.

       I sing the wisdom that ordained

          the sun to rule the day;

       The moon shines full at God's command,

          and all the stars obey.

    (2) I sing the goodness of the Lord,

          who filled the earth with food,

       Who formed the creatures through the Word,

          and then pronounced them good.

       Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed,

          wherever I turn my eye,

       If I survey the ground I tread,

          or gaze upon the sky.

    (3) There's not a plant or flower below,

          but makes Thy glories known,

       And clouds arise, and tempests blow,

          by order from Thy throne;

       While all that borrows life from Thee

          is ever in Thy care;

       And everywhere that man can be,

          Thou, God art present there.

Listen to it here      LISTEN

BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS

Previously I mentioned that I had two favorite hymns concerning the Easter season.  This week's hymn is my other favorite.  One of the reasons that I love it is because it has great four part harmony with a beautiful tenor line.  Now today's choruses are written essentially for everyone to just sing the melody - harmonizing is often impossible or at best, very difficult.   But since I am officially "old", I still love good harmony and this hymn has it.   And I have enjoyed singing this hymn over the years in a number of trios and quartets as well as with the congregation.   But the main reason I like this hymn is not just the harmony, but the words.  They always challenge my Christian walk.   Do I really take my stand in life beneath His cross?  Do I constantly thank Him for his redeeming love, recognizing my unworthiness?  Do I really want nothing more than the sunshine of His face.   And am I really content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss?   Is my glory really all the cross?  Wow, that's heavy stuff!   The words were written by Elizabeth C. Clephane in 1868 and published posthumously in 1872. The music was added by Frederick C. Maker in 1881.  So this great hymn has been sung for about 129 years and it continues to be a favorite of many - especially old-timers like me.   Meditate upon these words during this special season when we celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord.   And, rejoice today that He is Risen and because of His cross we can stand with Him now and eternally.

1.     Beneath the cross of Jesus

     I fain would take my stand,

     the shadow of a mighty rock

     within a weary land;

     a home within the wilderness,

     a rest upon the way,

     from the burning of the noontide heat,

     and the burden of the day.

2.     Upon that cross of Jesus

     mine eye at times can see

     the very dying form of One

     who suffered there for me;

     and from my stricken heart with tears

     two wonders I confess:

     the wonders of redeeming love

     and my unworthiness.

3.     I take, O cross, thy shadow

     for my abiding place;

     I ask no other sunshine than

     the sunshine of his face;

     content to let the world go by,

     to know no gain nor loss,

     my sinful self my only shame,

     my glory all the cross. 

Listen to this great hymn here.     LISTEN

CALVARY COVERS IT ALL

On Friday we led another hymn sing at Pinebrook Bible Conference.  Because of the season of the year I decided to feature hymns about the cross of Christ.  We entitled the program, "Hallelujah, What a Savior".   There are so many great hymns about the cross that we seldom sing anymore and this isn't often a message found in today's praise and worship choruses.   And the folks on Friday sang better than at any of the previous hymn sings that we have led.   I think it was because these old hymns about the cross are so meaningful.  They share about Christ's great sacrifice and what he went through to provide salvation for us.  And we are so unworthy. There are a couple of these hymns that have always ministered to me and one of these is "Calvary Covers It All".   Today so many folks carry heavy burdens over past sins and failures.  They think forgiveness is impossible.  They often live in despair and struggle over these memories.  But there is a cure - in fact, only one cure.  The only cure is Jesus Christ and wnat He did for mankind on Calvary.  For indeed, Calvary does cover it all.

(1)  Far dearer than all that the world can impart

Was the message came to my heart.

How that Jesus alone for my sin did atone,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(2)  The stripes that He bore and the thorns that He wore

Told His mercy and lover evermore

And my heart bowed in shame as I called on His name,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(3)  How matchless the grace, when I looked in the face

Of this Jesus, my crucified Lord;

My redemption complete I then found at His feet,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

(4)  How blessed the thought, that my soul by Him bought,

Shall be His in the glory on high;

Where with gladness and song, I'll be one of the throng

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and stain;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there,

And Calvary covers it all.

Listen to it here      LISTEN